A short, three step how-to on how you can make your writing office (environment/habitat) without spending all of your hard earned money.

All writers have a special place where they go when they’re about to write. It could be outside with nature, closed within the confines of their room with smooth jazz playing in the background, or at work or school in a notebook or on a piece of paper. Where ever writers go to write, each place has a certain environment that each person likes and/or wants in order to be productive. Today, I’ll show you how to make your own writer’s office anywhere with a few, short steps.

1. Choosing an environment

When you are choosing an environment in which you’ll be spending your time writing, one linear way based on other people’s opinions isn’t very creative or open for expression and freedom. If you prefer a quiet room with a soft lamp light and no interruptions, then by all means use that place. In the same sense, if you prefer listening to music or being around noisy places and people, then find a place in which those traits reside in. I personally prefer listening to soft classics while typing away on my PC in the guest room/ office of my home. I also don’t mind having my environment messy, either, but some writers can’t write unless everything is neatly aligned and put in their own special place. Whatever environment works for you, stick to it and never let anyone else tell you it’s a bad choice. You picked it, so that obviously means you’ve found potential in this “habitat” of your choosing.

Some writers prefer to work with paper, notebooks, and pens. Some prefer technology to get them through their writing. Some both. Whichever one works for you, stick to it and design your office accordingly.

For example, say you’re a writer who loves the traditional method of writing on paper and using pens, pencils, notebooks, etc… Buy a pack of cheap, spiral notebooks, some decent pens or pencils, and a cup or case to hold them in. Have a smooth surface or desk in which to write and an ergonomic chair and body position so you won’t feel cramped and sore after writing. Take frequent breaks and stretch your muscles and massage your hand and finger joints so they won’t “lock up” and result in carpal tunnel or arthritis. Burn incense, play some music, whatever works for you and whatever makes you comfortable and relaxed, do it.

It goes the same way for writers who prefer using computers and other technology to help them write. Set the mood, make a playlist of your favorite songs on Youtube and set them on repeat, have correct posture and take frequent breaks, etc… If you have a hard time focusing on writing while on the computer, download a free, minimalist word processor called Focus Writer or Dark Room (Both are PC), Write Room for Mac.

3. Treats and inspiration

Your favorite foods, quotes, books, and authors can all help motivate you to continue writing. Start by gathering a few snacks you personally enjoy, such as soda, tea, coffee, donuts, pizza, popcorn, candy, good old water, and whatever else you enjoy eating. And while all these sweets can give you a “sugar-high”, continue flushing your system out with water to wake up your brain cells and your mind. Print out your favorite quotes or poems and thumbtack them to your wall where you can see it. Print out pictures of your favorite authors and set out your favorite books and books-on-CD. Wear comfortable clothing and read something inspirational or look over your writing prompts or notes to see what you’ll be writing for this session. Whenever you complete your writing session, reward yourself. Play some video games, watch TV, post your work to online writing sites or send it to your friends and family. Watch videos on Youtube, get drunk, whatever you want to do because you took the time out of your busy life and committed to write at that time. And maybe you procrastinated a little, but the point is is that you wrote, you took words and shaped and molded them into sentences and paragraphs into something beautiful and coherent that yourself and your audience will appreciate.

Enjoy a video containing inspirational writing quotes from famous authors